Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
GENEVA/KINSHASA: The World Health Organization (WHO) is rapidly scaling up its emergency response following a newly confirmed Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where authorities are battling one of the most complex infectious disease emergencies in recent years.
The outbreak, declared on 15 May 2026 in Ituri Province, marks the country’s 17th recorded Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in 1976. The WHO Director-General has classified the situation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), triggering international coordination efforts to contain the spread.
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Within just 72 hours of the outbreak declaration, the World Health Organization delivered a large-scale emergency response package to affected regions, including 11.5 tonnes of medical supplies, protective equipment, medical kits, tents, sanitation materials, and logistics support. More than 35 health experts and emergency responders have also been deployed to reinforce surveillance, case management, and infection control operations.
The outbreak is unfolding in a highly challenging environment marked by insecurity, large-scale population movement, mining-related mobility, cross-border trade routes, and densely populated refugee communities — all factors that increase the risk of rapid disease transmission across borders.
Unlike other Ebola strains, there are currently no licensed vaccines or approved specific treatments for Bundibugyo virus disease. This makes containment efforts heavily dependent on classical public health measures, including early detection, isolation, infection prevention and control (IPC), contact tracing, and safe burial practices.
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Health authorities in both the DRC and Uganda have activated national emergency coordination systems, with support from WHO and international partners. Dedicated surveillance teams are being deployed in affected and high-risk zones to detect unexplained deaths, investigate fever clusters, and strengthen laboratory confirmation systems.
In parallel, IPC measures are being reinforced across healthcare facilities following concerns over possible healthcare-associated transmission and infections among health workers. Training programs, facility mapping, triage systems, and distribution of personal protective equipment are being expanded to reduce exposure risks for frontline staff.
Specialized treatment centers and isolation units are also being established closer to outbreak epicentres to ensure rapid medical response and safer patient management. Safe transport pathways for suspected cases are being strengthened to limit transmission during referrals.
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Cross-border coordination has been intensified between DRC and Uganda, focusing on surveillance at border points, rapid information sharing, emergency alerts, and joint preparedness exercises. WHO has also reiterated that travel and trade restrictions are not recommended, warning that such measures may increase risks by pushing movement through informal routes.
The outbreak response is further complicated by the absence of approved vaccines or therapeutics for Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO and partners are accelerating research efforts to evaluate potential vaccines and experimental treatments while strengthening clinical trial readiness, cold-chain logistics, and laboratory systems.
Preparedness efforts also include improving emergency coordination, training healthcare workers in clinical research protocols, and enhancing diagnostic capacity in both affected and neighboring countries.
As the situation evolves, WHO and partner agencies, including national governments and humanitarian organizations, are continuing coordinated efforts to contain the outbreak, protect frontline workers, and prevent further cross-border spread in a region already vulnerable to infectious disease emergencies.
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